Jet2 bans morning alcohol sales in clampdown on drunks

Airline Jet2 has banned the sale of alcohol on-board before 8am on its morning flights in a bid to tackle disruptive and abusive behaviour.

Jet2.com, based at Leeds Bradford Airport, has called on airports and shops to follow its lead in a move that will be introduced from next week.

It has also called for sealed bags for alcohol bought in airports to stop drinking personal alcohol before and during flights.

Managing director Phil Ward said: “We have decided to follow up very quickly on my comments made last week, by taking positive action to allow the millions of customers and families who fly with us to travel with confidence and have a great experience with Jet2.com.

“We believe that stopping sales of alcohol before 8am on our morning flights is an effective way to ensure everyone has an enjoyable and comfortable journey. We understand that we’re the first of the European airlines to take this bold step and call upon industry partners in airports to also trade responsibly.”

Recent police statistics show hundreds of passengers were arrested on suspicion of being drunk on a plane or at an airport in the last two years.

Last week, Jet2.com passenger Joshua Strickland, 21, of Tadcaster, was handed a £12,000 bill and a lifetime ban after his “abusive and aggressive” behaviour led to a plane being diverted to Manchester.